The Co-chairs of Northwest Territories – Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation and Development met in Edmonton today to discuss the economy, wildlife management, and land-use planning.Alberta Minister Iris Evans and Northwest Territories Minister Michael Miltenberger co-chair the MOU Steering Committee and meet on a regular basis. Given the proximity of their respective jurisdictions and overlapping areas of mutual interest, the NWT Alberta MOU provides a venue within which to advance transboundary matters and communication.

The Co-chairs discussed the current economic situation, economic recovery and stimulus measures that are in place. They received a presentation on Albertas land-use strategy and discussed environmental and wildlife issues.

In light of recent and ongoing initiatives in both jurisdictions, it only makes sense for us to work together to find solutions to common challenges, Minister Evans said.

There was discussion of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Managing Shared Boreal Populations of Woodland Caribou, signed by the two jurisdictions in April 2009. This MOU acknowledges that boreal caribou are a species at risk that are shared across jurisdictional lines and require co-operative management.

Minister Miltenberger stated, As neighbours we need to continue to be open and cooperative, particularly in areas where wildlife or resources, such as caribou, bison or water, cross boundaries between our jurisdictions. It is important that we work together on these matters.
The Northwest Territories will host the next meeting of the co-chairs in 2010.